Aja Ekadashi 2026: Date, Parana Time, Vrat Katha, Puja Vidhi & Spiritual Significance
Aja Ekadashi 2026, also called Ananda Ekadashi, occurs on the Krishna Paksha Ekadashi of Bhadrapada month. The word Aja means unborn and eternal — a name of Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe.
This Ekadashi is considered extremely powerful because scriptures say it destroys sins from previous births and restores lost prosperity, dignity, and peace of mind. Aja Ekadashi Date: This year, the Aja Ekadashi falls on the 7th of September 2026 (Monday). Ekadashi Tithi begins on 6 September 2026 at 07: 29 pm. Ekadashi Tithi ends on 7 September 2026 at 05: 03 pm.
In 2026, the vrat becomes even more sacred because it falls on Monday (Somvar) — a day dedicated to Lord Shiva — creating a rare combined blessing of Vishnu and Shiva Tattva.
Aja Ekadashi 2026 Date & Muhurat
| Particular | Timing |
|---|---|
| Ekadashi Date | Monday, 7 September 2026 |
| Parana (Fast Breaking) | 8 September 2026 – 06:10 AM to 08:38 AM |
| Hari Vasara End | 8 September 2026 – 08:15 AM |
| Paksha | Krishna Paksha |
| Lunar Month | Bhadrapada |
Important Note: Timings may vary based on sunrise in your city. Always verify using your local Panchang.
Aja Ekadashi on Monday, September 7, 2026. On 8 th Sep, Parana Time – 06:02 AM to 08:33 AM. On Parana Day Dwadashi End Moment – 02:42 PM
Authoritative Panchang Reference:
https://www.drikpanchang.com (Hindu calendar reference)
Spiritual Significance of Aja Ekadashi 2026
In the Brahma Vaivarta Purana, Lord Krishna explains to King Yudhishthira that observing Aja Ekadashi grants the same merit as performing an Ashwamedha Yajna.
This vrat especially helps people who:
- Lost wealth or career stability
- Facing family separation or relationship problems
- Suffering from mental stress or guilt
- Experiencing repeated failures in life
- Seeking liberation from past karmic debts
The fast purifies the mind, strengthens destiny, and attracts divine grace.
If you are struggling in career or finances, performing Vishnu Puja on this day is considered highly effective.
Aja Ekadashi 2026 Vrat Katha – Story of King Harishchandra
The legend of Aja Ekadashi revolves around the truthful King Harishchandra.
To keep a promise given to Sage Vishwamitra, he donated his entire kingdom. He became poor and was forced to sell:
- His wife Taramati
- His son Rohitashwa
- Himself to a cremation ground keeper
Even after unbearable suffering, he never abandoned truth.
One day Sage Gautama advised him to observe the Aja Ekadashi fast.
He performed the vrat with devotion and stayed awake all night chanting Vishnu’s name.
Result of the vrat:
- His dead son came back to life
- Family reunited
- Kingdom restored
- All karmic sins destroyed
Hence Aja Ekadashi is known as the Ekadashi that reverses destiny.
Scriptural Reference:
https://www.iskcon.org (Vedic literature authority)
Puja Vidhi for Aja Ekadashi 2026
Morning Ritual (Sankalp)
- Wake before sunrise
- Take bath and wear clean clothes
- Take vow to follow truth and purity
Vishnu Puja Procedure
- Place a Kalash with mango leaves
- Install Vishnu or Krishna idol/photo
- Offer Tulsi leaves, yellow flowers, rice
- Light ghee lamp
- Chant Vishnu Sahasranama or Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya
Important Rules
- Avoid anger, lies, and criticism
- Maintain silence or speak truth only
- Read Harishchandra Katha
- Do night vigil (Jagran)
Parana (Breaking the Fast)
Break fast on Dwadashi during the given Muhurat only.
What to Eat on Aja Ekadashi 2026
| Allowed | Not Allowed |
|---|---|
| Fruits | Rice |
| Milk | Wheat |
| Dry Fruits | Lentils |
| Sabudana | Beans |
| Rock Salt | Regular Salt |
| Singhara Atta | All grains |
Benefits of Observing Aja Ekadashi 2026
- Removes past life karmas
- Restores lost wealth
- Reunites families
- Improves mental stability
- Grants Vishnu Kripa
- Equivalent to Ashwamedha Yajna merit
- Spiritual upliftment and peace
Ekadashi 2026 Master List
Complete Ekadashi calendar:
https://www.panditjionway.com/ekadashi-dates-2026
Book Online Puja for Aja Ekadashi 2026
Performing puja under proper Vedic guidance increases the effect of the vrat.
Book Online Vishnu Puja:
https://www.panditjionway.com
Available in:
Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad and worldwide.
Panditji On Way is India’s largest online Vedic pandit booking platform.
FAQ – Aja Ekadashi 2026
What is the exact date of Aja Ekadashi in 2026?
Aja Ekadashi will be observed on Monday, 7 September 2026 during Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada month.
What is the Parana time for Aja Ekadashi 2026?
The fast should be broken on 8 September 2026 between 06:10 AM and 08:38 AM after the end of Hari Vasara.
Which God is worshipped on Aja Ekadashi 2026?
Lord Vishnu is primarily worshipped. Since it falls on Monday in 2026, worship of Lord Shiva is also considered highly auspicious.
Why is Aja Ekadashi important in Hinduism?
It destroys sins from previous births, removes financial suffering, restores lost status, and grants spiritual merit equal to Ashwamedha Yajna.
What is the story behind Aja Ekadashi 2026?
King Harishchandra observed this vrat on Sage Gautama’s advice. As a result, his dead son revived, his family reunited, and his kingdom was restored.
Can we drink water during Aja Ekadashi fast?
Yes, devotees may follow Phalahar fast (fruits and milk). Nirjala fast is optional and done by advanced devotees.
What foods are allowed on Aja Ekadashi 2026?
Fruits, milk, dry fruits, sabudana, singhara flour and rock salt are allowed. All grains and rice are prohibited.
Can we eat rice on Aja Ekadashi?
No, rice and all grains must be strictly avoided because they are believed to contain negative energy on Ekadashi.
What are the benefits of observing Aja Ekadashi vrat?
It removes karmic debts, restores prosperity, improves mental peace, and resolves family problems.
Is night vigil necessary on Aja Ekadashi?
Jagran is highly recommended because chanting Vishnu names at night increases the spiritual merit of the fast.
Who should observe Aja Ekadashi fast?
People facing financial loss, career obstacles, relationship issues, or repeated failures should observe this vrat.
What mantra should be chanted on Aja Ekadashi?
Chant Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya or Vishnu Sahasranama at least 108 times.
Can working professionals keep Ekadashi fast?
Yes, a simple fruit fast with devotion provides spiritual benefits even for working individuals.
What happens if Ekadashi Parana is missed?
Missing Parana reduces the spiritual merit. One should break the fast within the prescribed Dwadashi Muhurat.
Is Aja Ekadashi good for removing bad karma?
Yes, scriptures state it is one of the most powerful Ekadashi for karmic cleansing and destiny correction.
What is the meaning of Aja in Aja Ekadashi?
The word Aja means unborn, eternal and indestructible. It represents Lord Vishnu who has no beginning or end.
Which month does Aja Ekadashi occur in?
It occurs in the Krishna Paksha of Bhadrapada month according to the Hindu lunar calendar.
Is Aja Ekadashi related to Lord Krishna?
Yes, Lord Krishna explained the significance of this Ekadashi to King Yudhishthira in sacred scriptures.
Why is Aja Ekadashi considered powerful?
Because it removes accumulated sins from previous births and restores lost fortune and respect.
What time should we start fasting on Ekadashi?
The fast begins from sunrise on Ekadashi day after taking Sankalp.
Can married couples observe Aja Ekadashi?
Yes, it is highly beneficial for married couples facing conflicts or separation.
Is charity important on Aja Ekadashi?
Yes, donating food, clothes, or money to Brahmins and needy people multiplies the merit of the fast.
Which color clothes should be worn?
Yellow, white, or light saffron clothes are considered auspicious.
Can we sleep during Ekadashi night?
Sleeping is discouraged. Devotees should perform bhajan, kirtan, or mantra chanting.
What should be done on Dwadashi after Parana?
Feed Brahmins or poor people and offer Tulsi water to Lord Vishnu before eating.
Is Ekadashi fasting scientific?
Yes, it helps detox digestion, improves metabolism, and gives mental clarity due to controlled eating.
Can pregnant women observe Ekadashi?
They should not do strict fasting. Fruits and milk diet is recommended after consulting elders.
Can children observe Ekadashi vrat?
Children can observe a partial fast with fruits and devotion.
What is the best donation on Aja Ekadashi 2026?
Donation of food grains, cow feeding, and Tulsi plant offering are considered most sacred.
Does Aja Ekadashi help in career problems?
Yes, devotees believe it removes obstacles and improves opportunities through karmic purification.
Is temple visit necessary?
Not compulsory, but visiting Vishnu or Krishna temple increases spiritual benefit.
Can we cut hair or nails on Ekadashi?
Traditionally avoided as it is a sacred fasting day.
Can we use mobile or watch TV?
Avoid entertainment and focus on prayer and spiritual activities.
What happens if someone eats grains unknowingly?
Chant Vishnu mantra and continue the vrat with sincerity.
How many Ekadashi occur in a year?
There are usually 24 Ekadashi, and sometimes 26 in adhik maas years.
Which Ekadashi is closest to Aja Ekadashi?
It is followed by Parsva Ekadashi (Parivartini Ekadashi).
What is Hari Vasara?
The first quarter of Dwadashi is called Hari Vasara. Fast should not be broken during this period.
Can tea or coffee be consumed?
Plain tea without grains may be taken but devotees usually avoid stimulants.
Can onion and garlic be eaten?
No, onion and garlic are strictly prohibited.
Is Tulsi important in this vrat?
Yes, offering Tulsi leaves to Lord Vishnu is essential for completing the puja.
Conclusion
Aja Ekadashi is not just a ritual fast but a powerful karmic cleansing day. The story of King Harishchandra proves that even the most difficult destiny can change through devotion, truth, and faith.
Observing this vrat with sincerity brings peace, prosperity, and divine protection. When performed with proper Vedic rituals, its results multiply significantly.
For best results, combine fasting with Vishnu Puja and charity.
